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| What is the New Jersey Division on Women (DOW)? |
The New Jersey Division on Women (DOW) was established in 1974 by law to serve as state government’s central permanent agency for the coordination of programs and services for women. The DOW’s mission is to create, promote and expand the rights and opportunities for all women in the State of New Jersey. The Division conducts research leading to public policy to support the development, coordination and evaluation of programs and services for women. |
| My family may become homeless, who can I contact for financial assistance? |
You may wish to contact the Housing Assistance Program Element (HAP) and the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) for additional assistance. Below please find the contact information and description of this program:
Homelessness Prevention
Housing Assistance Program Element (HAP)
Phone: 1 (866) 889-6270
Web: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/hp.html
Provides limited financial assistance to low- and moderate-income tenants and homeowners imminent danger of eviction or foreclosure due to temporary financial problems beyond their control. Funds are used to disburse payments in the forms of loans and grants to landlords and mortgage companies on behalf of eligible households in danger of homelessness.
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
Phone: (609) 633-6171
Web: http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/srap.html
SRAP is a rental assistance program for low-income individuals or households. The program provides rental assistance grants, comparable to the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program and shall be terminated upon the award of a federal subsidy to the same individual or household:
- Rental assistance grants will be provided to applicants currently on the Department of Community Affairs’ existing Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list.
- Rental assistance grants will be “tenant-based” and “project-based.”
- 30% of the rental assistance grants will be reserved for senior citizens aged 65 or older who are not currently receiving a rental subsidy under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
- 17% of the rental assistance grants will be provided to homeless families with children.
- 17% of the allocation will be reserved for project-based assistance for special initiatives under the State Rental Assistance Program that will include collaborations with the Department of Children and Families‘ (DCF) Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) and may include other special populations. Project-based assistance will be administered under a separate set of rules.
- 31% of the rental assistance grants will be reserved for households currently on DCA’s existing Housing Choice Voucher Program’s waiting list.
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| How can I find affordable housing in my area? |
You may wish to contact the following agencies to obtain additional information on New Jersey’s affordable housing assistance programs:
New Jersey Housing Resource Center
Web: www.njhousing.gov
The NJ HRC is an internet searchable registry of affordable housing and housing that is accessible for handicapped or disabled persons. This internet available information is kept up to date and is intended to help individuals find affordable housing, obtain housing information and links, and helps people with disabilities find housing options. For those interested in listing housing, it is also an excellent and FREE resource to list housing that is affordable.
Housing Affordability Service (HAS)
Renting: (609) 278-7505
Resale: (609) 278-8841
Buying Homes: (609) 278-7579
Web: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/hmfa/biz/gov/njhas/
The Housing Affordability Service (HAS) is an Administrative Agent for affordable housing in over 60 municipalities throughout the State. HAS facilitates the sale, re-sale and rental of affordable units. Available affordable units from the HAS portfolio are advertised in regional papers and on the Housing Resource Center at www.njhousing.gov. Eligibility and application information is also provided with each HAS unit listed. Those without access to a computer can call 2-1-1 from a landline telephone to receive help searching for affordable housing. General questions about HAS can be directed to 609-278-7505.
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Can I apply for a personal grant from the Division on Women? |
No, you cannot apply for a personal grant from the Division on Women. The Division on Women does not provide direct services or grants to individuals.
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| What grants are funded by the Division on Women? |
The NJ Division on Women currently funds the following grants:
Deployed Military Spouses’ Assistance Program
Displaced Homemaker Centers
Hispanic Women Demonstration Resource Centers
Job Training Centers for Urban Women
Police Domestic Violence Reimbursement Grant
Rape Care & Prevention Program
The Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
Women’s Referral Central
Women’s Shelter Grants |
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| Who should I contact about opening a domestic violence shelter to serve the women in my community? |
Please know that most domestic violence services are funded through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Below please find DCF’s contact information:
NJ Department of Children and Families
PO Box 729
Trenton , NJ 08625-0729
Phone: (609) 984-4500
Fax: (609) 341-2088
New Jersey Department of Children and Families
Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships
PO Box 729
Trenton , NJ 08625-0729
Phone: (609) 984-0678
Fax: (609) 777-0443
Additionally, with regard to shelter standards, licensing, and grant programs, you may wish to contact the Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Codes and Standards and the Division of Housing at the following addresses, phone numbers and websites:
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Division of Codes and Standards
Bureau of Rooming and Boarding House Standards
P.O. Box 804
Trenton , NJ 08625-0804
Website: http://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/
Bureau of Rooming and Boarding Standards
Phone: (609) 633-6251
Licensing Rooming and Boarding Homes
Phone: (609) 984-1706
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Division of Housing and Community Resources
Shelter Support/Emergency Shelter Grant
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/sheltersupport.html
For additional information, call (609) 633-6266 or email Francis Moody.
Shelter Support/Emergency Shelter Grant
Provides funds to improve the quality of existing transitional housing and shelter facilities and provide comprehensive case management and essential services.
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| Where can I locate information about available services for victims of domestic violence in my area? |
You can locate information about services for victims of domestic violence in your area by contacting the NJ Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, New Jersey Coalition For Battered Women, and/or New Jersey Association of Domestic Violence Professionals at the following numbers:
NJ Statewide Domestic Violence Toll free Hotline: 1 (800) 572-SAFE [7233]
New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women - Phone: (609) 584-8107
Battered Lesbian Toll free Helpline: 1 (800) 224-0211
New Jersey Association of Domestic Violence Professionals - Phone: (609) 584-8107
You can also learn about additional Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Violence Programs, and Support, Education, Employment & Training Programs in your area by clicking on the following link:
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I am a victim of domestic violence and I feel that my case is not being processed appropriately because my husband is a police officer? |
You may wish to the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, regarding your complaints. The Division of Criminal Justice is under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Law and Public Safety. Below please find a brief description and contact information for this agency:
Division of Criminal Justice
Hughes Justice Complex
25 Market Street - PO 085
Trenton , NJ 08625-0085
Phone: (609) 984-6500
E-Mail: complaints@dcj.lps.state.nj.us
Web: http://www.nj.gov/oag/dcj/index.html
Note: The Division of Criminal Justice cannot respond to on-line complaints unless you include your full name and address in the e-mail text.
The Division of Criminal Justice is charged with the responsibility to detect, enforce and prosecute the criminal business of the State through the uniform and efficient administration of our criminal laws. In addition to its direct law enforcement operations, the Division provides oversight and coordination within New Jersey's law enforcement community. The activities of the Division are conducted through a staff consisting of deputy attorneys general, investigators, professional and clerical personnel.
Also, you may wish to contact the Department of Law & Public Safety’s State Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy in the Division of Criminal Justice regarding your situation. Below please find the contact information and brief description of this office:
State Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy
Division of Criminal Justice
P.O. Box 085
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Main Phone: (609) 896-8855
Fax: (609) 219-6596
Phone: (609) 896-8702
Web: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/dcj/victimwitness/state-offices.htm
As a crime victim or a witness of a crime, you have certain rights in the criminal justice system. There are many services available to you so that your participation in the criminal justice system will be less stressful and more informed. Basically, this is accomplished through the State and County Offices of Victim-Witness Advocacy. In each of the 21 county prosecutors' offices there is a County Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy.
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| Click Here to View NJ's Domestic Violence Programs by County |
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| If the domestic violence, sexual assault, or rape offense occurred in one county and I move or live outside of that county, where shall I seek legal assistance? |
You may obtain information about legal assistance for a domestic violence, sexual assault or rape offense by contacting the NJ Statewide Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault Hotlines at the following phone numbers:
NJ Statewide Domestic Violence Toll free Hotline: 1 (800) 572-SAFE [7233]
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| Click Here to View New Jersey's Domestic Violence Programs by County |
Sexual Assault Toll free Hotline: 1 (800) 601-7200 |
| Click Here to View New Jersey's Sexual Violence Programs by County |
| Can I go to any New Jersey women's resource center for assistance or only the one in my county? |
While we encourage you to go to a center in your area, for issues of confidentiality or transportation, you are welcomed to visit a center outside of your county.
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| How can I contact a shelter to donate clothes? |
Many New Jersey centers and shelters accept clothing donations; you may wish to contact your local programs to inquire about their clothing donation needs and procedures. Below please find links to New Jersey’s Domestic Violence Programs, Rape Care Centers and Support, Employment, Education and Training (SET) Centers by county:
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| Where can I get information about legal counseling in my area? |
The Division on Women does not conduct legal counseling services, however, legal assistance is available from the following organizations and agencies:
Legal Services of New Jersey
Statewide Legal Hotline
Toll Free Hotline: 1 (888) LSNJ-LAW [1-888-576-5529]
Web: www.lsnj.org
The Department of Law and Public Safety
Division on Civil Rights
Phone: (609) 292-4605
Web: www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/
New Jersey State Bar Association
New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1520
Phone: (732) 249-5000
Fax: (732) 249-2815
In addition, many local Domestic Violence Services, Rape Care Centers and Support, Education, Employment & Training Programs offer legal clinics.
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Click Here to View New Jersey's Women's Resource Centers by County |
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Where can I get information about starting my own business? |
You may wish to contact the New Jersey Women's Micro-Business Credit Program Agencies, New Jersey Business, New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission, New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners, or the U.S. Small Business Administration at the following web sites:
New Jersey Women's Micro-Business Credit Program
Web: www.nj.gov/dca/dow/njwmbcp.shtml
New Jersey Business - Taking Care of Business
Web:
www.nj.gov/njbusiness/
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Web: http://www.njeda.com/web/default.aspx
United States Small Business Administration
Web: www.sba.gov
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| Where can I obtain information about my rights in a sexual harassment incident? |
You can obtain information about your rights in a sexual harassment incident by contacting the Regional Office of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights at the following web site:
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)
Web: www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/employ.html#hostile
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) makes it unlawful to subject people to differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability, perceived disability, and AIDS and HIV status.
How to File a Complaint
Web: www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/filing.html
Contact the Division on Civil Rights Regional Office
Web: www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/localcontact.html
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| How do I find out information about heating assistance? |
Information about heating assistance programs for New Jersey’s low-and moderate-income households can be found by contacting the NJ Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral Energy Service, Inc. (NJSHARES):
NJ Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral Energy Service, Inc. (NJSHARES)
Toll Free: 1 (866) 657-4273
Web: http://www.njshares.org/
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| ` Where is the closest Sexual Violence Program to my home? |
New Jersey Sexual Violence Programs have trained Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates (CSVA) available to provide crisis and support services to victims of sexual violence and their significant others. Survivors can access services at any time, regardless of when the sexual violence occurred or whether the survivor reported the sexual assault to law enforcement.
Services available in each county include:
- 24-hour hotline and crisis intervention
- 24-hour accompaniment to hospitals, police stations and court proceedings
- Crisis counseling for survivors and their families and partners
- Information and referrals for additional services
- Presentations to school aged and college students
- Community awareness and educational programs
- Training for professionals
- Prevention planning and related efforts to reduce the incidence of sexual violence perpetration
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| Click Here to View New Jersey's Sexual Violence Programs by County |
| Where can I donate my used cell phone? |
Many New Jersey domestic violence services programs accept used cell phones for victims of domestic violence. You may wish to contact your local domestic violence program, the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, Strengthen Our Sisters and/or Verizon Wireless to inquire about their cell phone donation needs and procedures. Below please find web hyperlinks to these noted programs:
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| I am a single mother who would like to advance my job skills, who should I call? |
Due to overwhelming demand, legislation was passed several years ago to fund women’s resource centers that assist displaced homemakers. A displaced homemaker is defined as a woman who has worked in the home for a number of years and through the death, disablement, or divorce of a spouse finds herself as the primary head of the household. She can also be underemployed and, therefore, unable to support herself and/or her children. The women's resource centers assist thousands of women in attaining economic self-sufficiency through Displaced Homemaker Centers, Hispanic Women Demonstration Resource Centers and Job Training Centers for Urban Women; these centers offer supportive counseling, workshops, computer literacy training, help in job placement, as well as English As A Second Language (ESL) classes and other services that meet the needs of eligible women. Services at these women's resource centers are free.
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| Who should I contact about child care assistance? |
You may wish to contact the NJ Department of Human Services’ Child Care Helpline about their applicable programs and services. Below please find the Child Care Helpline description, website and toll-free number:
Child Care Helpline
1-800-332-9227
Web: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/CCRandRs.html
Provides information on State Subsidies for Child Care, Choosing Quality and Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (formally Unified Child Agencies). |
| My ex-husband is not making his required child support payments, who should I call? |
You may wish to contact the following agencies for further child support information and assistance:
New Jersey Child Support
Toll-Free: 1-877-NJKIDS1 (1-877-655-4371)
Web: www.njchildsupport.org
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| How do I request a speaker for an event? |
You can obtain information about speaker availability for an upcoming event by contacting the Domestic Violence Centers, Sexual Violence Programs, and Support, Education, Employment & Training Programs in your county.
Please click here to locate the Domestic Violence Programs, Sexual Violence Programs and Support, Education, Employment & Training Centers in your area.
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